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| Koharu Nene Leaves iON! With Immediate Effect (Photo: Instagram Nene Koharu) |
Japanese idol group iON! has announced the immediate departure of member Koharu Nene, confirming her graduation on 28 December 2025. The decision follows what the group described as a serious violation of contract rules, bringing a sudden end to her activities across multiple affiliated units.
In an official statement shared on the group’s social platforms, iON! apologised to fans and partners for the unexpected news, while stressing that all upcoming activities will continue as scheduled with the remaining members.
The group also firmly requested that fans avoid speculation or harmful comments, urging everyone to show respect during the transition.
【恋春ねねに関するお知らせ】 pic.twitter.com/TSMJbBDSdc
— iON!【アイオン】iLiFE!妹ユニット (@iON_idol_) December 28, 2025
Koharu Nene, just 16 years old, later released a personal apology addressing the situation.
She admitted that her own careless judgement and lack of responsibility led to the outcome, especially given her position as both a full member of iON! and a support member for iLiFE!.
In her message, she expressed deep regret for disappointing fans who had supported her throughout her idol journey.
“I truly apologise for betraying the trust of everyone who believed in me,” she shared, adding that the encouragement she received over the past two and a half years remains something she deeply values.
この度は私の軽率な行動により、ファンの皆様、関係者の方々の期待を裏切ってしまい本当に申し訳ございません。
— 恋春ねね【iON!/iLiFE!】 (@iON_nene_) December 28, 2025
自分が今掛け持ちという立場で責任を欠いた行動を取ってしまったこと、すべては自分の自覚の無さによるものであり、深く反省しています。皆様からいただいた応援は私にとって大切な宝物で https://t.co/z1K9dxLc3t
Koharu Nene also thanked the HEROINES project for giving her the chance to grow as an idol, calling the experience an irreplaceable part of her life.
Alongside iON!’s announcement, iLiFE! confirmed that Nene’s role as a support member has also ended as of the same date.
Both groups reiterated their apologies and asked for understanding from fans as they move forward.
この脱退に伴いiLiFE!サポートメンバーとしての活動も本日をもって終了とさせていただきます。
— iLiFE!【あいらいふ】 (@iLiFE_official) December 28, 2025
大変申し訳ございません。
ご理解の程よろしくお願いいたします。 https://t.co/uQQS3WzFti
Koharu Nene first entered the spotlight in 2023 as a trainee under the HEROINES banner before becoming the first announced member of iON! in 2025. Her departure marks a significant moment for the nine-member group, especially as they continue preparations towards a planned one-man live in 2026.
With Koharu Nene’s departure, the list of talents from the wider HEROINES ecosystem—particularly iLiFE!—facing issues and controversies in 2025 continues to grow, following earlier cases involving Nodoka Nara, Hanase Mai, Fujisaki Azu, Hibi Nicori, Watamori Rowa, Arisu Luna, Noa Wakaba, Yagi Horun and Konoka Kiri, making this year a notably turbulent one for the agency and its affiliated groups.
What are your thoughts on the situation, and how do you feel about iON!’s next chapter? Share your views and let the conversation continue.